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True value of training
Page 7
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Like everything in life, the sooner you know how expensive something is, the sooner you can judge its true value. Nowhere is that better exemplified than the proposed EU directive on driver training. Due in 2005, it stipulates that novice drivers must undergo 420 hours of professional training before they will get a "European HGV Licence", and then requires a further 35 hours a year on-the-job training within working hours.
Scarlet with indignation at the prospect of UK operators facing "another red-tape nightmare", Conservative MEPs (surely something of an oxymoron given most Tories' view on Europe) have been busy blaming their Labour counterparts for being too "quick to pile on more regulation and costs on British Businesses".
The Road Haulage Association has also declared that its financial analysis of the impact of the directive on UK Haulage PLC (mom per year) "is not unrealistic". By which we take it to mean it IS realistic—but so far unproven. Meanwhile, divide iI4om by the current number of 0-licensed companies operating in the UK (52,600) and you end up with an annual net charge to each of them of f2,6 61. Is that what you'd be prepared to pay for a properly trained professional driver?
If the training was relevant, cost effective and likely to save you money, surely you'd answer yes. Unfortunately the EU directive could easily end up being anything but relevant... and that would make it valueless.